Main Verse: Joshua 5

Good morning!

When Israel came out of Egypt en-mass, the heathen nations looked down on Israel like one would on a bug and threatened to crush them. When Moses and the Israelites defeated the giant Og King of Bashan who was known for being vicious and was feared by all of the other kingdoms, the laughing stopped (Joshua 13:9-12, Numbers 2:26-37). When the mighty Jordon River dried up before the nation, the people walked through on the dry ground and brought out boulders to prove it, and the nations became terrified because “rumor” had become “fact”. That night in the camp all of the men were circumcised according to Mosaic law as a physical sign of the covenant (Genesis 17:9-14). That night in the camp the Passover was held according to the law of the Lord (Exodus 13:3-10). It was then that the people were no longer served manna and quail, they ate the crops of the land.

When we decide to accept Jesus’ offer of atonement and we walk free from the shackles of sin, Satan and the world laugh at us thinking, “Oh, they’ll be back”. When we remain faithful and obedient in the face of temptation, the world will take notice and the Devil’s attacks will start. It is important to note that many people come to the Lord but do not stay because temptation pulls them away or there are rocks in their hearts that they do not wish to let go of (Matthew 13:3-9). Overcoming adversity, breaking the chains of slavery to sin, and defeating the curse over our lives may seem easy but it is not; overcoming is not a matter of strength, prowess, or talent it is by the Spirit of the Lord (Zechariah 4:1-7). When we ask the Lord into our lives and implore His help, we must be obedient to what is asked of us coupled with faithfulness (1 Samuel 15:19-23).

I.H.S. MK

Father,

If overcoming were easy, everybody and their brother would do it; but, it is not because, while we are walking free from the prison we were in, the Devil will be there to put things in our pathway. The Devil does not want us to be free because it means the Devil will no longer rule over us (Romans 6:12-14). Life is full of pits and troubles but I know that with you, victory is at hand. Please help me today and every day to live for you and give no room for the flesh (Romans 11:13-14). I pray for those in need of a special touch from you as they are going through insurmountable problems.

In Jesus’ name